UltimateSilence

See the original question is that OP wanted to block those ports (21-23) however blocking those ports would only prevent access IF the computer was a Server. As an example, blocking port 21 would prevent OTHER computers from connecting to this computer if an FTP Server was running on it. And why would you install an FTP server with a blocked port 21? Anyways, I presumed this meant that the OP wanted to prevent the computer from connecting to an FTP server, which would require blocking the outbound ports, not port 21. You are correct...

I found something that I would like to share... It states that there is a hidden picture in the retail disc. Can someone here validate this for me? I'm praying that it's just a digitally altered photo.

Hello, Microsoft has some information here. I can't really go into detail at the moment... Alternatively, you can download the attached Windows 98 Theme File that I created... It is a modified "Windows Classic" theme. The only issue that I have noticed with the theme is that, in Internet Explorer 9, inactive tabs are not the appropriate color. You could also download Classic Shell for the classic version of the Start Menu. Windows 98 Theme.rar

Yes, but his main concern seems to be: and not that he's actually able to connect to websites, ftp servers, torrents and so on. Actually, my main concern is that, due to the fact that they're listed as open, they could be used for malicious activity... Tripredacus, I did what you suggested and the results are... TCP 192.x.x.x:6831 ec2-184-72-241-236:ftp ESTABLISHED

and that problem is that you're able to connect to stuff on the internet? I honestly don't see how this is a problem in any way. You're perfectly safe. CoffeeFiend, It's not literally a problem... I just hate having them open because I don't "use" them. Submix, thank you for the links. Incoming is also blocked.

Tripredacus, we have a problem.

vinifera, "Small update" indeed -- this is the BEST news I've heard this year!! "Mainstream support" is ending April 10, 2012, but "extended support" will now last five more years for ALL versions of Vista. Thanks for (finding and) reporting it! --JorgeA I concur, JorgeA! Long live Windows Vista.

They seem to be open indeed (not that I really put much faith in that website). A quick SYN stealth scan in nmap confirms it (your IP replaced by 1.2.3.4): Discovered open port 23/tcp on 1.2.3.4 Discovered open port 21/tcp on 1.2.3.4 Discovered open port 22/tcp on 1.2.3.4 Discovered open port 80/tcp on 1.2.3.4 (the other 2 ports aren't scanned by that) The ports are opened but they don't actually send any data. For example, connecting to your port 80, the TCP handshake goes over fine (SYN, SYN ACK, ACK), then the browser sends its "GET / HTTP/1.1" request, which it ACKs, then it resets the connection (RST, ACK) without sending a single byte. As for port 21 it's much of the same. Typical TCP handshake, but immediately after (before we even have the chance of making a request) you're already sending FIN ACK and RST. So it's not like there's something running on your PC serving data and your router forwarding traffic to it. My best guess is that these ports are opened/in use by your DSL modem/router and not your PC. Those ports could also be used by your ISP to update/access the device (and not having the right IP it won't talk to me). They're the typical ports a Linux/Busybox router would have open too (ftp, ssh, telnet, http). There's no need to panic, and it's not Windows' fault either Thank you, CoffeeFiend! You scanned the ports... I feel naked. EDIT: Wait, CoffeeFiend! It's not my fault either, right?

I connect to the Internet using a wired DSL router. I do not know how to connect via the command prompt... I know you said to connect using a client and not a web browser, but out of curiosity I tried using Internet Explorer 9, which triggered a Windows Firewall notification!

CoffeeFiend, Thank you for clarifying that for me. I want to give my two cents. I think he was upset about the fact that you cannot (re)move it if desired. I also think it varies from person to person... I still use the desktop more often than not. I love the Windows 7 taskbar. I also feel that there is nothing wrong with its predecessor. In Windows Vista, the frequency of UAC notifications can be changed via Local Security Policy. EDIT: When I looked at the Local Security Policy settings in Vista again, it appears that 7 only has one new UAC option (located in the UAC settings; I haven't checked Windows 7's LSP) and that is the default "Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer". The Windows 7 UAC slider and what you can do on Windows Vista today. Windows Vista is DirectX 11 compatible. Direct2D and DirectWrite were both back ported to Windows Vista...

Tripredacus, I'm sorry for the late reply. I just remembered about this topic tonight. I have ports 21-23; 6000-6001 blocked, but according to GRC Shields Up! they remain open. EDIT: Windows Firewall is configured to block the inbound and outbound connections of these ports.

Why Windows Vista (SP1+) is Better Than Windows 7 IMHO, it is a very fine article. I hope it was alright to post this.

It is possible to port it from Vista? I am using Classic Shell, but it feels so...imperfect knowing that it isn't a "part" of the operating system, and that it can be closed at any time.

That was...rude. I think I read your post correctly. Do mouse cursors not change? I am not sure if it is relevant to (what I perceive to be) your problem, but I found information from this site.

You were so underrated, Vista.

Belarc Advisor has always helped me when I've forgotten a product key. Once installed, you can find your product keys in the Product Licenses section of the report. Included is a screenshot of the section (with my licenses blanked, of course...) http://i.picoodle.com/ae0j01sm.png

I was wondering if there was a way to get the classic Start Menu in Windows 7? I know there are programs such as Classic Shell, but I hate the idea of running an application for a feature which, IMHO, should not have been removed. It sort of gives me that "incomplete" feel... I guess there's no way to port it from Vista? (Apologies for my child-like curiosity, it's just never something I thought about until I used 7).

Yes, sir. Windows Firewall with Advanced Security -> Outbound Rules -> New Rule -> Port -> TCP Specific Ports (#21, #22, #23). What action should be taken when a connection matches the specified conditions? Block the connection. - When does this rule apply? Domain, Private, Public.

The latter.

I've tried to block the following ports via Windows Firewall in Windows 7 Ultimate: FTP (#21), SSH (#22), Telnet (#23) as per here, but the ports remain open. What am I doing wrong? Thank you.

http://www.intowindows.com/download-exact-windows-7-shell32-for-xp/ Dunno if it's possible to do the same for Kex'd 98, btw hope that inspires ! Why don't you use Tihiy's Revolution Pack 9? It has a Windows 7 theme, among others. I have not noticed a decrease in performance while using it. Perhaps the only exception to this would be when I tried Windows XP's default theme, when I had 63MB of RAM...

There is a bandwidth monitor located at this site, but it isn't freeware.

I know it isn't exactly what you were looking for, but there are some software drivers that support Windows 98SE / ME here and here. In addition, there are drivers for other operating systems...

That does sound tedious. I'm not concerned with anything on the hard drive (besides McAfee QuickClean...) Most of the "important" applications are on CDs or diskettes that I own. The only thing preventing me from formatting is that in my computer history (98SE being the most recent OS I used until 2008), I've never once owned a computer (or drive) without it (i.e., there has always been a Window 98SE computer).

When I ran Windows 98 Second Edition setup from the CD-ROM in DOS, it stated that I could 1: cancel 2: reinstall Windows 98 over my existing installation. Hypothetically speaking, what would happen if I chose the latter? Would it erase everything? Just wanted to ask... I know I've asked a lot of questions already. But perhaps it's a good thing? Not only does it normally solve my problem...but sometimes questions lead to more questions, which in turn lead to more answers. I like to think it's beneficial for those who may run into the same situation, or for those who might be afraid to ask.